Simmonds stayed back in Toronto on Wednesday to be with his wife for the birth of their child. The Maple Leafs said there was a possibility he would join the team in Calgary and play, but Jake Muzzin will dress as a seventh defenseman to replace him.
Despite being a full participant in Monday's practice and taking part in Tuesday's morning skate, Dvorak will not play vs. the Devils. Laurent Dauphin will skate on the third line with Dvorak still out.
Dvorak missed the final three games prior to the All-Star break but may be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Dvorak skated as the No.3 centre in Monday's session, a good sign that he'll play vs. New Jersey.
Deslauriers missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury but will be back in the lineup on Monday. Deslauriers will likely replace Buddy Robinson on the Ducks' fourth line.
Deslauriers will not be available for Thursday's game in Montreal. Josh Manson will return from the COVID-19 protocol list, so the Ducks could go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Dvorak left Monday's game vs. the Wild after being hit by Jared Spurgeon and did not return after failing a concussion test. He was missing from Wednesday's practice and is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
Cates has scored two goals and four assists (six points) in 21 AHL games this season. The 24-year-old has scored one goal with one assist in 11 career NHL games. He'll replace Kevin Hayes (lower-body) on the active roster.
Tippett was recalled from the AHL prior to Tuesday's game but served as a healthy scratch. Tippett will replace Patric Hornqvist (undisclosed) in the lineup against the Oilers. Tippett has scored four goals with seven assists (11 points) in 33 games this season.
Tippett went to Charlotte for a couple of games, recording four assists. He returns to the Panthers with Maxim Mamin going to the taxi squad, suggesting Tippett will be back on the third line on Tuesday.
Ristolainen missed one game while in COVID-19 protocol but was a healthy scratch Saturday as he got himself back up to speed. Ristolainen re-enters the Flyers lineup with eight points (1G / 7A) in 33 games while averaging 21:19 TOI/gm.
Sanheim, who has missed the last two games, was back at practice on Monday and skated on the top-pair with Rasmus Ristolainen. Sanheim will replace Justin Braun, who entered COVID-19 protocol on Monday.
Seeler has missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but will replace Egor Zamula in the lineup on Saturday. Seeler has been held pointless in 23 games with the Flyers this season.
Cates missed the last two games while in COVID-19 protocol but will replace Connor Bunnaman in the lineup on Saturday. Cates has scored one goal while averaging just 8:36 TOI/gm in four games with the Flyers this season.
